Unspecified maternal hypertension, third trimester

This code signifies elevated blood pressure in a pregnant patient during her third trimester, where the specific type of hypertension (e.g., pre-existing, gestational, preeclampsia) has not been documented or determined. It indicates a diagnosis of hypertension without further clinical specificity regarding its etiology or severity.

This code is appropriate when the medical record clearly states "maternal hypertension" or "elevated blood pressure" in the third trimester, but lacks further detail to classify it more precisely. It should be used when the provider has not specified whether the hypertension is gestational, chronic, or preeclamptic.

• Avoid using this code if documentation allows for a more specific hypertension code (e.g., O13.3, O14.03).
• Always query the provider for clarification if the type of hypertension is not specified to ensure accurate coding.
• Sequence this code as a primary diagnosis when the hypertension is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis when it's a co-morbidity.